6 Ways for Finding a Purpose in Retirement

Summary: This article explores six effective ways to find purpose after retirement, including pursuing hobbies, volunteering, learning new skills, staying active, and engaging socially.

Throughout our working lives, we view retirement as the reward of all our hard work. We plan our finances carefully to ensure we have money to live on in retirement but often overlook what we’ll actually do with our time once we’ve clocked out for the last time.

Many retirees discover the need to find a purpose in retirement once the thrill of not having to get ready for work Monday through Friday wears off. Life without purpose can lead to depression and unhealthy habits like watching too much television.

Why is finding purpose after retirement important?

Your career, no matter what it is, gives you a purpose to get up every morning. You have deadlines to meet, goals to accomplish, and a sense of responsibility to your employer, coworkers, and clients.

Even when you are having a bad day, the sense of purpose you get from your job plays a crucial role in your mental and physical well-being. That’s why finding a purpose in retirement is so important.

Let’s look at six ways for finding a purpose in retirement.

1. Explore your hobbies and interests

Do you love to paint but never had the time to do it while you were working 9 to 5? Or maybe you always wanted to write the Great American Novel. Now that you are retired, you have more time to devote to your longtime passions or discover new ones. If you work better with some structure, set daily “working” hours where you focus on your passion project.

2. Volunteer in your community

Volunteering at the local food pantry, wildlife sanctuary, or other charitable organization is something you may not have time for while working. You can get more involved in these activities during retirement. There are many benefits to volunteering over and above finding a purpose in retirement. It also helps you socialize with other people, form new friendships and make a difference in your community.

3. Learn new skills

Whoever coined the phrase “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” didn’t know what they were talking about. Your retirement years are the perfect time to reinvent yourself and learn new skills you may have always wanted to pursue. Continuing education can help keep your mind sharp and expand your knowledge in areas that interest you. Many communities and colleges offer workshops and classes on various subjects, such as languages, pottery, and other arts. Online learning platforms like Coursera or Udemy offer programs for everything from joke writing to website design.

4. Start a small business or consultancy

You can use the skills you already have or those you’ve learned in retirement to start your own small business or become a part-time consultant. According to the online job marketplace Indeed Flex, about one-third of retirees consider doing temporary work. While many of those contemplating “un-retirement” do so because of the increased cost of living, almost 40% cite personal fulfillment and finding a purpose in retirement as their reason for returning to the working world.

5. Engage in physical activities

Staying active is important at any age. The beauty of retirement is you have more time to engage in physical activities like running, walking, yoga, or swimming. If you are a goal-driven person, consider training for a race. Retirees who are accustomed to working in teams might enjoy the camaraderie of joining a softball team or bowling league. Participating in any recreational sport, whether pickleball, golf, or Tai Chi, can help you maintain your strength, relieve stress, and make new friends.

6. Join social groups and clubs

Getting involved with different groups and clubs is another way to stay social and active in your retirement years. Whether joining a group that plays cards regularly or becoming a member of The Red Hat Society, participating in social groups and clubs can help you build and strengthen relationships with other retirees. This can help you avoid loneliness and bring joy and companionship to your life.

Make your retirement count

Retirement is often viewed as a time of freedom and relaxation. However, you may discover that finding a purpose in retirement is difficult, which can lead to feelings of aimlessness, isolation, and depression. By exploring your passions and hobbies, volunteering, learning new skills, or even starting a side hustle, you can maintain a fulfilling and meaningful life in your retirement years. Staying involved in your community, physical activities, and social clubs contributes to your overall mental and physical health.

At Mutual of Omaha we strive to do more than just help you plan and fund your retirement. We are committed to help ensure that your next chapter in life is rewarding and filled with opportunities for personal growth and connections.

FAQs

Q1: What is a happy retirement?

A happy retirement involves more than just having the financial freedom to live without working. Finding a purpose in retirement is also essential to your mental and physical health and happiness. This purpose can be a hobby, volunteer role, part-time business, creative pursuit, or just socializing with friends and family.

Q2: How do I find my passion after retirement?

If you are at a loss to find a passion project to pursue in your retirement, think back to when you were younger. What did you want to be when you grew up? What things did you always want to do, but never had the time to do them? Examining these questions can help give you an idea of something that may be passionate about pursuing in retirement.

Q3: How do you deal with loneliness in retirement?

The best way to deal with loneliness in retirement is to get out and socialize with other people. Hang out with friends or make new ones. You can do this by joining different clubs, taking in-person classes, volunteering or joining a team sport.

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